thirstyboys

For the second week in a row, notable Dutch brewer De Molen took pole position as Hashigo Zake Cult Beer Bar’s weekly new release. This time out, the offer was in the (is it still?) trendy Black IPA style, albeit one that weighs in at a beefy eight-plus per cent.

De Molen Zwart & Wit Black IPA (8.4% ABV)

Wood fired, richly smoked

Contemplating muggy days

Sheep in wolf’s clothing

Food match: smoked salmon on cream cheese and pumpernickel, pizza

It’s the kind of beer you drink when: you’re feeling trendy.

hai·ku (hk)

n. pl. haiku also hai·kus

1. A Japanese lyric verse form having three unrhymed lines of five, seven, and five syllables, traditionally invoking an aspect of nature or the seasons.

2. A poem written in this form.

More than a few of the Thirsties (Ladies Auxiliary included) are confirmed admirers of Dutch brewer De Molen’s supercharged porters and stouts. So it was that the prospect of an American style IPA from the same source was warmly anticipated.

De Molen Alive & Kicking (6.2% ABV)

Absent sunshine hours

Soft perfume on the palate

Kiss rather than kick

Food match: Cheese scones with a little bit of paprika, chargrilled courgettes with feta

It’s the kind of beer you drink when: tea won’t quite do it!

hai·ku (hk)

n. pl. haiku also hai·kus

1. A Japanese lyric verse form having three unrhymed lines of five, seven, and five syllables, traditionally invoking an aspect of nature or the seasons.

2. A poem written in this form.

A first! Hashigo Zake Cult Beer Bar this week offered a French brewed beer on tap as the weekly new release. Bellerose purports to mingle characteristics of the familiar Belgian IPA and the more exotic (by Wellington standards) traditional biere de garde styles. Also – according to Greasylightbulb – the brewery was started or funded by French cinema legend, Gerard Depardieu. Or something. So we’re told.

Brasserie des Sources Bellerose Blonde (6.5% ABV)

Silken, delicate

Bit smooth, light body, trim frame

Not much like Gerard

Food match: ploughman’s lunch (bread, sharp cheddar, pickles), moules et frites

It’s the kind of beer you drink when: you need something in which to drown spiders.

hai·ku (hk)

n. pl. haiku also hai·kus

1. A Japanese lyric verse form having three unrhymed lines of five, seven, and five syllables, traditionally invoking an aspect of nature or the seasons.

2. A poem written in this form.